How to Work in Canada as a Plumber

Are you an experienced and skilled plumber looking to immigrate to Canada? Not only are plumbers in demand in at least 4 of Canada’s 11 provinces and territories, but it’s also a profession that pays quite well. Plumbers can earn anywhere from $39,000 to an average of $65,072 per year, with experienced plumbers earning up to $97,500 per year. And the best part? The provinces where the need for plumbers is greatest offer the highest salaries in the country. This means that your application for permanent residency in a province that needs plumbers will not only receive preferential treatment, but you can also draw a salary that is among the highest in your profession in all of Canada. For us, this is a win-win situation!

Canada is looking to invite 341,000 people to move to Canada. Of these, 195,800 highly skilled foreign workers will be invited to apply for permanent residence under economic immigration programs administered through the Express Entry system. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Trade Worker Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, as well as Provincial Nominee Programs and immigration pilots such as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

Granted, like any other profession, there are some bureaucratic hurdles, such as checking your credentials, but that’s nothing to worry about. This article will tell you everything you need to know about immigrating to Canada as a plumber.

Jobs in Canada for Plumbers

There are currently hundreds of jobs available for experienced and skilled plumbers interested in immigrating to Canada. Finding a job in Canada is undoubtedly as daunting as the Canadian immigration process itself. However, with online platforms like eJobbo, it can be much easier and less complicated to connect with potential Canadian employers. For tips on how to find your dream job in Canada, check out our blog here. One of the best places to start when looking for a job in Canada is where you live. Find out about living in the province or territory of your choice, as well as affordability based on your salary expectations. Provinces where plumbers are most in demand include British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba. Below are some of the average salaries in the 4 provinces where plumbers are in high demand:

What Tools Do I Need to Immigrate to Canada as a Plumber?

Aside from your wrench, you need to make sure that you meet all the necessary requirements to not only immigrate to Canada as a plumber, but also to work in Canada in your profession. These requirements may vary depending on the province or territory you wish to settle in. It is important to know that the Canadian immigration system will classify your occupation based on skill level and type of work. Plumbers have a National Occupation Classification (NOC Code) 7251, and this applies to maintenance and general plumbers, apprentices and plumbing mechanics, for example. And since the qualification level for plumbers is B, this means you can apply for almost any top immigration program! Below are some of the criteria for plumbers who want to live and work in Canada.

• Completion of secondary or high school;
• Work experience(usually at least 1 year depending on the program and province/territory);
• Journeyman/woman trade certification in machining, tool and die making or other related metalworking trade;
• four to five-year apprenticeship or combination of work experience and industry courses(NOC7251);
• Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta
• *Trade certification is available but not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; and
• *Red seal endorsement also available yet optional (allows for interprovincial mobility).

Please remember that all qualifications must be assessed to ensure they meet Canadian standards. This means that you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to count towards Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points when applying for your visa. Below is a list of organizations that are authorized to assess your qualifications:

• Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies;
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada;
• World Education Services;
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS); and
• International Credential Evaluation Service.

How Do I Apply for a Canadian Visa as a Plumber

There are several ways to immigrate to Canada as a plumber, but the key to a successful visa application is choosing the immigration program that best fits your needs. This is usually best determined by regulated Canadian immigration consultants or RCICs who are qualified to conduct an in-depth eligibility assessment. However, below is an overview of the 4 best ways to move to Canada as a plumber.

1. Express Entry system;
2. Provincial Nominee Program;
3. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot;
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

1. Express Entry

Express Entry is a system that has made Canadian immigration much more accessible and faster for applicants from all over the world. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada and administers three Canadian federal economic immigration programs, namely the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program. Plumbers fall under NOC Major Group 72 (Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades), which means you may be able to submit your Canadian visa application through the FSTP. You will need to create an Express Entry Profile that includes information about your age, language skills, qualifications, etc. so that you can participate in the draws, which are usually held every two weeks. Your profile will be ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and you will receive a score. If your score is equal to or higher than the minimum CRS score, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

2. Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows foreign professionals with a full-time job offer to immigrate to Canada. This largely depends on whether your profession is in demand in that particular province or territory. Each province or territory not only has its own PNP, but also its own specific labour needs and requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a provincial nomination (PN). If you get a PN, you get 600 additional CRS points, which basically guarantees that you will get an ITA for permanent residency. As mentioned earlier, most plumbing jobs in Canada are found in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick, which means it may be a good idea to take a look at these 4 PNPs to immigrate to Canada.

3. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

As an experienced plumber, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RINP). This is an immigration pilot program for skilled foreign workers with a valid full-time job offer. There are 11 municipalities participating in the RINP, including 4 in Manitoba and British Columbia, where plumbers are in high demand:

• Brandon, Manitoba;
• Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba;
• Vernon, British Columbia; and
• West Kootenay(Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia

Find out the specific requirements established by your municipality and province.

4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot

As mentioned earlier, plumbers are classified as NOC Qualification Level B and are also in high demand in New Brunswick. This means that if you have a valid job offer in this Atlantic province, you may be eligible to apply for your Canadian visa under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. This is a community-based and employer-specific pilot program that helps skilled workers immigrate to Canada.